If you find yourself in need of a café in Hawthorn head straight to Chaplain’s Office. The friendly café is as comforting as grandma’s knitted jumper while still putting up a menu modern enough to entice the smashed avo crowd.
Housed in a converted late 1800s church hall (hence the name), the café's food and service both lean towards the heavenly. If you’re looking for brunch you found it: highlights include golden halloumi sandwiches, ocean trout bagels and pork belly with fried eggs and sambal. If you like your brunch sweet, throw your diet out the door and order the black forest hotcakes – ricotta hotcakes with chocolate ganache, berry parfait and cassis cream.
The kitchen is lead by head chef Amy Peck with assistance from Vee Chandra and Julian Cheong. If you’ve been to Chaplain’s Office before you’ve probably noticed their lush outdoor area. The team grow some of their own veggies on site and will even put together a picnic hamper if you want to sit out on their lawn (you’re welcome to bring Fido too).
